August 2024 – The metal detecting community is buzzing with excitement after a fellow enthusiast made a discovery that provides a tangible link to one of the most turbulent periods in British history. A hoard of 23 Iron Age silver coins, believed to have been hidden during Boudicca’s revolt against the Romans, has been unearthed near Rainham, Norfolk.
This find serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for metal detectorists to contribute significantly to our understanding of history. The coins, dating to the late Iceni period, offer a glimpse into the tumultuous times of the Roman invasion and the subsequent rebellion led by the warrior queen Boudicca around AD 60-61.
Coin expert Adrian Marsden from the Norfolk Historic Environment Service highlighted the historical context of the find, stating, “There was a lot of fear and unease during Boudicca’s revolt and those were the perfect conditions for burying your hoard.” For detectorists, this insight underscores the importance of considering historical events when searching potential sites.
The hoard’s composition is particularly intriguing, featuring three types of Iceni silver units. Of special interest to both detectorists and historians are the coins depicting the “Norfolk god type – a man with crazy hair.” This local deity, later assimilated by the Romans into their god Faunus (the Greek Pan), provides a fascinating glimpse into the religious beliefs of the time and the process of cultural blending that occurred during the Roman occupation.
For the detecting community, the valuation of the hoard adds another layer of excitement. Marsden noted that each silver unit would have been worth about four Roman denarii, making the entire hoard equivalent to two weeks’ wages for a Roman legionary. This gives detectorists a tangible sense of the economic value of their potential finds.
The discoverer’s adherence to best practices in metal detecting is commendable. The hoard was promptly reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, ensuring that this important historical find is properly recorded and studied. It’s now subject to a coroner’s inquest, a process familiar to many in the detecting community.
This discovery serves as an inspiration to detectorists everywhere, demonstrating the potential for uncovering artifacts that can shed light on pivotal moments in history. It reinforces the importance of research, persistence, and responsible detecting practices.
As news of this find spreads through metal detecting forums and social media, it’s sure to motivate many to return to their favorite sites with renewed enthusiasm. Who knows what other treasures from Boudicca’s time might still lie hidden, waiting for a skilled detectorist to bring them to light?
